The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-07-31
A PLAGUE SPOT.
THE AORMONS CAPTURE A COR.
NER In A GEORGIA COUNTY.
Tho KukIux Band Converted by Jse
Smiths Apostle-A talk With
the Mormon Emissary.
TAtlanta Constitut toni

tnTCef uOTmOub III Jnlb COuuty, VI
whom 80 much has been written Of
late, have achieved the greatest vic
tory of the period. They have con-
verified the entire band Of "kuklux,"
and now the whole upper section Of
this country is one mass OF Morm0ns.
For some weeks past there has been
Q movement on foot to kuklux the
Mormons who created so much ex-
oitement in the upper portion of this
county. Nothing definite was decid-
ed upon until Sunday last, when it
was determined that on Tuesday
night band of masked men were to
take them out, Tar ana feather them
and give them twenty-four hours in
which to leave the State. Your cor
respondent learned OF this and in
company with friend drove out TO
the scene of action.
At Goodwin's chapel, nine miles
from Augusta, VIC found the mighty
aud brave" band of regulators"
consisting of fifteen powerfully built
men, masked and armed to the teeth.
Shortly after our arrival all we're
pronounced present and VIC started
out in search of the Mormons. A
MIR. Newmau's house was first Wis
tied, then Mr.. Reds, but no Nor
mons were to be found. We then
learned that Biunion and Murphy
were both in the city, but that Spen-
ser, the chief OF the party, was quar-
tered ut George Anderson's house,
whittier we repaired.
The house was quickly surrounded
and Anderson called for. He came
out upon his piazza, aud upon being
questioned, said that Spenser
was in, but if the party attem pied
any violence they would find them
selves sadly left. Not man in the
bold band OF regulators replied to
this, and no one moved an inch closer
TO the house The Rev. Mr.. Spen-
ser, as he is called, the chief OF tho
Mormons, then appeared at the door.
aud knowing what was up, immedi.
ately commenced talk TO the crowd,
and after Eve minutes conversation
every member of the kuklux band
was converted TO the Mormon reli-
gion. Or, as Spenser said, they we're
convinced Of the error OF their way,
and when told by him to leave, the
ontire band marched of under cover
Of the adjoining woods.
Determined to get an item OF some
kind, the correspondent entered the
house, made himself kaown, and
told Spenser that no came to hear
his side Of the question. Spenser ID
. young man Of twenty-eight years,
about i've feet ten inches tall, quite
handsome, and possessed Of good
address. He began his conversation
by saying that the newspapers hao
been misinformed; that they have
not attempted TO scare q single per.
sou into confessing their religion, aud
that he had taught nothing excep,
the Bible. He then stated that nc
one Of his party had any money al
all; that they we're sent out by the
Church Of Jesus Christ OF Latter
day Saints, aud were compelled e
. 1.-Two with those who we're kind enough
10 furnish them 4 place Of residence
while in any locality.
The following conversation Their
onsued:
Are you not furnished with
money by the Church OF Mormon
They do not furnish us with a
cent. All the money We have il
given us by friends aud relatives"
"lIow, then, are you TO send your
converts TO Utah2"
I'VE have no such idea. Our sole
object is TO convert people 10 the
true religion Of Jesus Christ. They
may live where they please. We
now have missionaries working al
over the world, and We are meetipl
) with success. We have already
baptized ten persons in this neigh
borhood aud expect 20 hsptizo many
more in the course Of short while.
Oue Of our number, Elder John
Joe Murphy, is now working in
Augusta aud is succeeding 10 con
. verting many TO our belief. lie in.
forms me that he is to baptiEe Mr
john Vaughan in a few dayc."
How about this 10 called kuklu1
! band2 Are they interfering with
your
: Not 10 the least. | understand
many are opposed 10 us and really
feel hostile toward US, but II they
will only hear me preach they will
learn that am correct and will no
attempt 20 harm me"
How long do you intend TO 70
|, main in Richmond county2'
Until the Lord calls us away. II,
, tells US where to 80 and directs ou
! movements.
Under your religion | believe
' person is allowed 20 have any mum
Der ei wiyesf
That has nothing to do with on
religion"
= bat many Of you have Two o
more wiyes1"
"Yes. We do not consurc MAJ
for that. We have enough TO keeI
us away from otber mems wives, an
| would 10 God that the same nigh
be said OF all those who raise such
cry against tho Latter Day Saints.
But dc you not believe in polyg
!, aml,'
a I'VE believe in aud many Of on
: people practice that form OF maTTiae
I that was practicsd by Abraham, th
!, father Of the faithful aud friend {
q God; by Jacob, the father OF thos
u twelve posgamous children, who's
names are TO be found over Oh
twelve pcarly gates Of the New. Jeru
,. salem, where nothing that works q
abomiuation shall enter; also b
ir David. man after Gods own boar
J. and who received many wiyos trol
IL Him: and also Solomon, WON Go
u blessed with more wisdom than ar
lc other man; and, by the way, m'
lr a. we'll remind you OF tho fact tn
l. all Of these polygamists were, accor,
a. ing to the testimony Of Matthew, u
d, progonitors Of tho meek and low
w Jesus OF Nazareth. | testify 10 70
~ that this principal is in aceOrdao,
or With Holy Writ, and among Il
works OF Abraham.